Investment proposals worth more than ₹35,526 crore have been received in Uttar Pradesh Defense Industrial Corridor. Many companies have started production in six nodes including Kanpur, Jhansi and Lucknow, making the state a major center of defense manufacturing and employment.
Lucknow. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the UP Defense Industrial Corridor is moving rapidly towards making Uttar Pradesh a major center of defense and aerospace manufacturing. This ambitious project, launched in the year 2018, aims to give the state a strong identity on the global map of defense production. This corridor is being developed by Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEDA). Industrial activities are increasing rapidly in the six strategic nodes of the corridor—Kanpur, Jhansi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Agra and Chitrakoot.
Investment proposal over ₹35,000 crore
As per the latest progress report, investment proposals worth more than ₹35,526 crore have been received so far in different nodes of the Defense Corridor. A total of 2,040 hectares of land was acquired for this project. Out of this, 977.54 hectares of land has been allotted to industries. At present, land has been given to 62 companies for defense and related manufacturing works, while the process of lease deed is going on for about 11 companies.
Strong industrial base for defense industry
The investment proposals in different nodes of the Defense Corridor are as follows:
Kanpur: ₹12,803 crore
Jhansi: ₹11,738 crore
Lucknow: ₹4,850 crore
Aligarh: ₹4,490 crore
Chitrakoot: ₹880 crore
Agra: ₹607 crore
These investments are creating a strong industrial base for the defense industry in the state.
9 major manufacturing units started production
So far, nine major manufacturing units have started production in various nodes of the corridor. This is being considered an important step towards making India self-reliant in the defense sector. Among these, the ammunition manufacturing plant established by Adani Defense & Aerospace in Kanpur at a cost of about ₹ 1,500 crore is especially noteworthy. This is the biggest investment in this corridor so far.
Production of hi-tech defense equipment at Aligarh node
At Aligarh node, Amitech Electronics Limited has started production of equipment related to electronic warfare and satellite technology with an investment of about ₹330 crore. Apart from this, Verwin Defense Pvt Ltd and Nitya Creations India Pvt Ltd have started manufacturing small arms and precision arms components.
Lucknow node is becoming a new defense manufacturing center
Lucknow node is fast emerging as a major center of defense manufacturing. Here Aerolloy Technologies has started production of titanium casting with an investment of about ₹ 320 crore. At the same time, BrahMos Aerospace has started production towards manufacturing of BrahMos NG missile system at a cost of about ₹ 300 crore. Apart from this, manufacturing of defense safety equipment and special apparel has also been started by Sankalp Safety Solutions.
Production of ballistic material and defense textile in Kanpur
Companies like AR Polymers and Adhunik Materials and Sciences have started production of ballistic materials and defense textiles in the Kanpur node. The start of these industries has given a new impetus to industrial activities in the corridor.
Big step towards self-reliant defense production
PM Modi had announced this defense corridor in the year 2018. The project is rapidly attracting investments due to plug-and-play infrastructure, single window clearance and industry-friendly policies. With the efforts of the state government, this project is not limited to defense production only, but is also working to connect MSMEs, startups and innovation based industries with the global supply chain.
Big opportunity for employment and technical development
In the coming years, Uttar Pradesh Defense Industrial Corridor is expected to generate large-scale employment, technological development and export-led industrial growth in the state. This project can play an important role in making Uttar Pradesh a strong center in the defense production sector of the country.